In a recent study, Sacramento State ranked in the top 15 percent of the safest schools – both state and nationwide, according to State University Resources.

Sac State Police’s primary goal this coming semester has been focused on visibility within the area, community interaction and responding to the needs and problems within the campus community, said Cpl. Scott Christian.

“Sacramento State, generally speaking, is a safe campus,” Christian said. “Focusing on these three issues has helped the department – as a whole, focus and respond to the campus needs more readily this semester.”

After eight sexual assaults last year, the University Police have worked hard to create a safer environment, according to a statement by Lt. Joseph Green.

While the campus security has improved at school since the beginning of the semester, community service officer Chris Knight said students still feel unsafe.

Melinda Keeler, senior sociology major, said she feels there is not enough security on campus to keep all students safe.

“I personally do not feel safe during the day considering how many students are on campus; and I especially do not feel safe at night,” Keeler said. “I rarely see security officers, but I do see them in the staff parking lots, which isn’t helpful. I usually ask an officer to watch me if they are in the lot so I don’t get attacked.”

However, Knight said the campus security has improved overall for students. He said campus security has not hired any more officers, but instead more are on shift and their shifts are longer.

Jesse Borbe, senior business major, has been at the Sac State for more than two years and said he has witnessed a change in security over time. However, he said the men have a lot less to worry about than the women.

“I see myself as being safe, but I always walk my girlfriend to her car and any other female friends,” Borbe said.

Meredith Carey, nursing staff member at Sac State, said she noticed more security this semester at Sac State and now feels safer coming to work.

“As a campus employee, I feel that officers are more aware that we need security after getting off late at night. Also, it is convenient that employees receive emails and shuttle information,” Carey said. “I generally feel safe working on campus.”

Renee Sweis, junior journalism major, said she was glad she did not hear of any sexual assaults this semester. Due to an increase in campus security officers, she students must be constantly informed and aware throughout the semester.

“Spreading awareness on the different resources available to students, such as the security booth in the Union and information regarding shuttle times, is important for students to know and should be utilized to their full advantage,” Sweis said.

As the semester comes to an end, Christian provides suggestions for students to improve campus safety by preventing theft of unattended property and bicycle theft, which he said is a problem here at Sac State.

“Students need to be aware that it only takes a moment to steal a purse, backpack, wallet or laptop when it is unattended, and that most thefts occur within a timeframe of five to 10 minutes or less,” Christian said. “Bicycle theft is easily prevented, simply by using a high-quality U-lock, which is more difficult to bypass and to even use two locks.”